Navigating Thai Culture Through Canadian Eyes

A major part of the reason I decided to teach abroad was the desire to immerse myself in a culture that was completely different from my own. Growing up in the Western world, I was fortunate to have access to many opportunities that are not universally available, and I wanted to step outside of my comfort zone by living in a place with a different set of resources and culture than Canada.

As I mentioned in a previous post, nothing can fully prepare you for life in a vastly different culture, especially if you have never travelled to that place before. Despite prior preparation and extensive research, I quickly came to realize there were still a number of things that I couldn’t have predicted as I began to settle into a new routine. Those realizations ultimately marked the beginning of my experience with culture shock. 

Culture shock is not an uncommon phrase; the internet defines it as, “the feeling of disorientation, confusion, or discomfort that people experience when they are suddenly exposed to a new and unfamiliar culture.” It's essentially a wave of ups and downs – varying from feelings of excitement and hope, to homesickness and loneliness – before eventually settling into a sense of acceptance and adaptation. 

There were aspects of transitioning into a new culture that never crossed my mind until experiencing them here in Thailand. Elements such as a typical housing situation, transportation methods, eating habits, work-life balance, and even the climate were things that I failed to consider beforehand. 

Housing was one of the immediate adjustments I had to make. CIEE provided assistance in finding accommodation, which varies for each participant depending on your placement. At my school, the foreign teachers live in a dorm that is right behind the campus. Each of us has our own room, closet, and bathroom; essentially mirroring a first-year dorm setup. 

The main difference is the bathroom; the shower and toilet are right next to each other, without any separation between the two. That definitely took some getting used to, along with the lack of a traditional kitchen. In Thailand, many homes don’t have a full kitchen, as it is more common for families to visit local markets daily for their meals.

Another adjustment I learned to navigate was transportation. In the area I live, it is nearly unwalkable, with little to no sidewalks, so most people rely on motorbikes or cars. I love walking, so I have learned to make it work, but most of the time that means jaywalking, or (carefully!) walking along the street while cars and motorbikes speed by. 

Because of this, I have had to change my usual way of getting from place to place. Grab – Asia’s version of Uber – is used daily by both locals and foreigners. If you had told me five months ago that I would be comfortably riding on the back of a motorbike almost daily, I would have laughed out loud. Yet it’s become the fastest and most affordable way for me to get around, especially since it is rather unsafe to walk after dark. 

Safety after dark was yet another unexpected transition. The dogs around here are seriously unhinged. While some of them are adorable and friendly, others can be aggressive, barking and howling once it gets dark. We were warned to not be outside of the school grounds on foot after dark, and if we were, to always get a Grab back to avoid any potential encounters. 

One thing that has surprised me is the overall lack of homesickness I’ve felt. It makes sense, though, as I am consistently surrounded by new experiences every day, leaving little time to dwell on those feelings. Don’t get me wrong, I miss my family and friends deeply (homesickness certainly hit hard over the holidays), but knowing that I am actively living out a dream I have had for a long time helps distract me in more difficult moments. 

A friend of mine recently shared a thought that comforted her when she was nervous about teaching abroad so far from home; she said, “This whole experience is only for six months, and really, I can do anything for six months.” That comment really stuck with me, particularly on days I am missing home a little extra. Reminding myself that my time here is limited helps me get through the harder days, and encourages me to make the most of every moment. 

I’ve definitely had the, “Wow, I am so not at home anymore” thought more times than I can count, but those have subsided as I continue to adjust to the culture. The biggest area that I've had to adapt to is the pace of life. Life here moves at a completely different rate than in Western culture, and I have learned to slow down, accept the uncertainty, and take each day as it comes. 

Finally feeling settled in after three months, I have begun to notice just how much my perspective has shifted. Honestly, it has been such a gift to be able to slow down, as most of my life has been centered around the standard of “hustle culture” and consistently having to work towards the next thing. Being in Thailand has allowed me to simply be where my feet are, and stay present in each day, without fixating too much on the future or the past. 

With that shift in mindset, I’ve also gained a new appreciation for the small comforts I once took for granted back home. Things like a hot shower, hugs from my family, a kitchen, the rain, and even sidewalks now feel more meaningful. At the same time, all the adjustments I have to make to Thai culture are exactly the reason I wanted to teach abroad in the first place. 

Of course, this kind of transition has not been without its challenges. My experience has been both exciting and difficult in ways I didn’t anticipate. As I have settled into life here in Sattahip, I learned that moving abroad is less about having everything figured out, and more about the ability to constantly adapt, stay open-minded, and witness the growth that occurs along the way.

Even with a few months still ahead of me, this experience has already reshaped my perspective on life and what changes I might make to my life back home. I have been reminded that we are meant to genuinely enjoy this gift of life, and not just spend our days chasing success and prove ourselves to the rest of society. 

I continue to feel so blessed to be on this teaching abroad journey; for the way it is challenging me, grounding me, and encouraging me to embrace the experience as it unfolds. I am excited to see what’s ahead, but even more content to stay present and soak in every moment along the way!